At Penn Medicine, our plastic surgeons use state-of-the-art lasers to
perform a variety of operations, including reconstructive procedures to restore
appearance and function.

The two types of lasers most commonly used in laser therapy are:

Blood vessel lasers - Blood vessel lasers can treat vascular lesions, or
red blemishes on the skin, by penetrating deep into the tissue to lighten the
area. The laser light is absorbed by the blood, causing the vessels to burst.
The treatment results in temporary bruising, but gives excellent long-term
results.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers - CO2 lasers remove the top layers of skin. More often used
in cosmetic procedures, these lasers can also remove lymphatic bubbles
(small water-filled blisters).

For many years our doctors have been using lasers to treat a variety of
conditions including:

Vascular lesions that appear as swollen, bluish bumps on cheeks or lips can
also be treated with blood vessel lasers. When these lesions interfere with
speech, their removal is considered reconstructive rather than a cosmetic
procedure.

Who is a Good Candidate?

The line between cosmetic and reconstructive procedures can be thin.
Although insurance providers typically cover reconstructive operations, many
vascular conditions are considered to be cosmetic in nature. At Penn Medicine,
our plastic surgeons help you assess which procedures best meet your surgical
needs.

It is important to know that for the maximum results, several procedures may
be needed. Though modern medicine can dramatically improve your condition,
results are not always uniform.

Risks

Every surgery has its risks, but you can minimize the chances of
complications by carefully following all instructions both before and after
surgery. Potential risks and complications are thoroughly reviewed prior to
every procedure.

Like cosmetic laser skin resurfacing, laser therapy has a few specific
risks, including:

Burns or other injuries from the laser's heat

Scars

Skin pigmentation changes

When considering any type of laser surgery, it is important to choose a
plastic surgeon who understands which lasers are most effective for treating
specific conditions.

Recovery

Many patients are also surprised to learn that many laser procedures require
some recovery time. Recovery times vary with different lasers. Each patient is
informed on what to expect, special skin care advice and how to care for
bruising that may occur. It can take several weeks or even months for the skin
redness to diminish.